'iBus represents a huge leap forward in this regard, and makes the Capital's bus network more attractive and easier to use.

'For the visually impaired or for those travelling in new parts of the city it has proved to be a fantastic resource, it is improving the accuracy of next bus Countdown signs and will lay the foundation for the delivery of bus information direct to mobile phones or the internet.'

A whole range of benefits

'On board journey information is great news for anyone with hearing or visual impairments or people travelling in an unfamiliar part of town.

'And Londoners who know their bus routes like the back of their hand will benefit just as much from more reliable services thanks to the information iBus provides to operators.'

Mobility training

Carol Thomas, Access and Inclusion Manager for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said: 'With the introduction of iBus on the Capital's buses, we have seen an increase in the number of blind and partially sighted people asking for mobility training on buses.

'The audible announcements give our members the confidence to use the bus network, which is invaluable as it gives them so much more independence.

'We applaud Transport for London for leading the way in introducing such announcements on buses and we are campaigning with 25 disability organisations around the country to have audible and visual announcements introduced on buses across the UK.'

Combination of technologies

iBus uses a combination of technologies, including satellite tracking and GPRS data transfer that can pinpoint the precise location of all of the city's 8,000 buses.

The system provides real time audio-visual journey information for passengers as well as more accurate predictions of arrival times at bus stop Countdown signs.

It also provides improved radio communications for drivers and allows bus controllers to improve performance and reliability.

Notes to editors:

iBus is one of the world's largest integrated Automatic Vehicle Location projects

In addition to automatic vehicle location announcements, iBus improves bus drivers' ability to communicate with passengers, providing a range of pre-recorded announcements and a tannoy system

CentreComm - London Buses' 24/7 Command and Control Centre - can communicate directly with passengers if a route or area is affected by a serious incident or may be subject to major delays

The information from the iBus system feeds into Countdown signs at bus stops, improving the accuracy of their predictions of bus arrival times

Bus controllers know at a glance the precise location of every bus on a particular route, and are able to take action to maintain a good service if there are any problems